BY BEN UKA, ENUGU
Engr Cosmas Anyanwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for the party’s urgent repositioning in the South East ahead of the 2027 general election.
Expressing concerns over the party’s diminishing electoral strength in the South East, Anyanwu emphasized the urgency of revitalizing APC’s presence in the region to avoid further decline.
In an exclusive interview with INNONEWS in Enugu , Anyanwu highlighted the downward trend in APC’s performance, citing the disappointing outcomes in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections as indicators of the party’s waning influence.
“The results of the last two elections unequivocally demonstrate our declining electoral fortunes,”
“Without substantial intervention, our prospects for the 2027 elections appear bleak.”remarked Anyanwu
Anyanwu echoed the sentiments of Chief Osita Okechukwu, former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria and a prominent APC stalwart, who urged the party leadership in the South East to address negative perceptions and restore confidence among voters.
He said “The urgency to reverse this downward trajectory cannot be overstated. Continued inaction risks the gradual extinction of the APC in the South East.”
Analyzing the electoral data from the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, Anyanwu underscored the significant decrease in APC’s votes across the five states in the region.
“In Abia State, for instance, the party received only 8,914 votes in 2023 compared to 85,058 votes in 2019.
“Similarly, in Anambra, APC’s vote tally decreased from 33,298 in 2019 to 5,111 in 2023. In Ebonyi State, the APC had 42,402 votes in 2023, compared to 90,726 votes in 2019.
‘In Enugu, in 2019, the APC polled 54,423 votes, but in 2023, it was 4,722. In Imo State, we had 140, 463 votes in 2019, but it declined to 66,406 in 2023.
Anyanwu urged key stakeholders in the party, including Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, National Vice Chairman (South) Emma Eneukwu, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Benjamin Kalu, to spearhead a concerted efforts to revitalize APC’s presence in the South East.
“As leaders of the party in the region, it is incumbent upon them to lead the charge in reinvigorating APC’s grassroots mobilization and organizational structure”
“We must engage in proactive measures to regain the trust and support of voters.” he said
Anyanwu emphasized the need for strategic planning and inclusive leadership to address the root causes of the party’s decline in the South East before the next general election.
He called for unity among party members and concerted efforts to amplify APC’s message of progress and development across the region.
“In the face of mounting challenges, unity and purposeful leadership are paramount,”
“By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, we can forge a path towards rebuilding APC’s credibility and relevance in the South East.”he concluded.